Sunday, May 2nd, 2004 - It was six years ago, almost to the day, that I lost my father to prostate cancer and a severe stroke. It is with great sadness I report I have now lost my mother to a malignant brain tumor. Patricia Edith Cardo of Coloma, Wisconsin, died on April 26th at 2:42pm, surrounded by her family at Adams County Memorial Hospital.

The original prognosis gave her a 50/50 chance to survive for a year with radiation and chemotherapy treatment. After that, the chance of death increased exponentially for each six months afterward. That was more than four years ago... To say she fought valiantly would be an understatement. She was the bravest, toughest woman I have ever known...and a wonderful mother. She will be missed.

I send out great thanks to the University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Care Center and the staff who provided her with the best care in the world over the past four plus years. I would also like to thank the staff of the Adams County Memorial Hospital (where my mother worked for 30 years) for making the last days as comfortable as possible for my mother and for all of us.

I am setting up a Memorial Scholarship at Adams-Friendship High school where mom graduated in 1960 (and I, in 1991). The goal is to raise approximately $5,000 (which I will match) so that an annual dividend of $500 may be paid out to a student planning to attend Nursing school upon graduation.

If you would like to contribute to this scholarship effort, I have a Paypal Account set up through my khoekstra@ravensoft.com address. Or, if you prefer, you can e-mail me directly at khoekstra@ravensoft.com and I can provide you with a snail mail address to use. I'm waiting to hear back from the Principal of the High School, but everything should be set up this week. Thanks in advance for your support.

In Loving Memory - Patricia Edith Cardo (October 27th, 1942 - April 26th, 2004)

May The Road Rise Up To Meet You
May The Wind Be Always At Your Back
May The Sun Shine Warm Upon Your Face;
The Rains Fall Soft Upon Your Fields
And, Until We Meet Again
May God Hold You In The Palm Of His Hand 

--Irish Blessing

Mother's Day is this coming Sunday. Don't forget to honor the special mother in your life...whoever she may be.

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